Upgrading to a Canister Filter

[michael.qian]

Thinking about a Fluval 204 canister filter (second hand for $100 on Trademe) for my tank, as I want mechanical filtration as well as biological and generally more filtering power.

Currently running an Eheim 2010 Internal which only has a sponge.

Got 2 question about getting the canister filter

1. I need to keep both filter running for a few weeks correct? So bacteria can be established in the new canister before I take out the Internal.

2. What's a good arrangement of the 3 columns? There are rings but don't know what else it's got, should I fill them all up? If so what should I put in them and in what order?

Cheers for any help.

[ryanjury]

You need to run both filters (or take the media out of your other filter and stick that in your canister..

Regarding the order, generally you stick the noodles or any other bio media last and the roughest mechanical sponge first and then the finer ones.. I guess for that you need to figure out what tray is closest to the inlet and outlet. Either way the filter will still function but if you stick the noodles first they will get pretty mucky..

Hope that makes some sense and helps you

[michael.qian]

yup make sense to put roughest first and finest filter media last. thanks for the help.